testicle

noun

tes·​ti·​cle ˈte-sti-kəl How to pronounce testicle (audio)
: testis
especially : one of a higher mammal usually with its enclosing structures
testicular
te-ˈsti-kyə-lər How to pronounce testicle (audio)
adjective

Examples of testicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His quest was enabled by Montana hunting outfitter John Lewton, who lopped off the testicles of his clients’ trophy wild bighorns, kept the gonads on ice, and later sold them to Schubarth. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026 Scientists also are finding microplastics in nearly every part of the human body — the brain, the heart, ovaries and testicles. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 An ultrasound discovered a mass in his testicle, requiring Reeve to undergo a procedure known as orchiectomy to remove his testicle. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 After undergoing surgery to remove the testicle (an orchiectomy), Reeve discovered the mass was embryonal carcinoma. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for testicle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English testicule, from Latin testiculus, diminutive of testis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of testicle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Testicardines
testicle
testicular feminization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Testicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testicle. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

testicle

noun
tes·​ti·​cle ˈtes-ti-kəl How to pronounce testicle (audio)
: testis

Medical Definition

testicle

noun
tes·​ti·​cle ˈtes-ti-kəl How to pronounce testicle (audio)
: testis
especially : one with its enclosing structures

More from Merriam-Webster on testicle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about testicle

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